by J. L. Madore
Part of me wanted to collapse into his arms. Part of me wanted to scream that he left me an orphan. Part of me was pissed that the two men I considered my fathers my whole life were actually only bodyguards lying to me. No. I would never regret my life with either of them.
I tried to think of something intelligent to say, my mind one giant void. I was blank except for the collapsing pain in my chest for the family I'd lost. I drew hard, trying to pull air into my lungs. His choice to let me live had cost my mother her life.
What kind of choice was that? I swiped at the tears streaming down my cheeks with the back of my hand. Tasting their salty warmth, I fought the hitching sobs about to overtake me and walked to the railing.
Castian ghosted to my side and paused. "Now that you know, do you hold me in your heart with love or hatred?" The quiver in Castian's voice broke the dam on my sobs. I squeezed the rail as my knees buckled. He caught me against his chest. "Jade, say you forgive me."
"Are you really my father?"
"I am." He hugged me tighter and pressed his lips to my forehead. Power surged through me, tingling just under my skin. That's when I felt it unlock. Our bond. Castian was my father, my true flesh and blood father. And he'd been watching out for me my entire life.
Childhood memories filled my mind. Moments locked away. Moments with him before I became Jade Glaster.
"I am sorry for the secrecy, Mir. I pray you were as happy as you always seemed."
"My dad and Reign were both wonderful. They loved me and I never wanted for more."
Connected as we were, I felt hurt and jealousy that never appeared Castian's perfectly chiseled face. As quickly as I detected it, it was gone.
Shit. "But now that we've found each other I couldn't be happier." I started to breathe again when his smile grew softer. "Why did you send us away? Wouldn't we have been safer with you than left alone in the Realm of the Fair?"
Castian looked defeated. "Your mother believed the danger to you stemmed from someone within the Fae Pantheon working to free Rheagan. I could not protect you from another god within my family while you were still vulnerable. I had no choice but to try to hide you until your god powers were triggered by your mating."
My mating. I pivoted to Galan who sat wringing his hands, staring out at the animals. The muscle in his jaw twitch and I knew the look. He was having a meltdown of his own.
"I'm ashamed to say, your life was threatened because of who I am, Mir. Everyone knew what you and your mother meant to me. Your status as a demi-goddess would not have been recognized until you turned twenty-five. Until that time, you were at risk. Your mother made me change your appearance to allow you to hide. Your skin, hair and features were altered. Every trace of your heritage erased."
My mind stumbled over that one. Who the hell was I if I wasn't me?
"Now, we're at a place where I may finally claim you as my child . . . if you'll have me."
Was he actually asking me? There went the tears again. "Of course I want you to claim me, but . . . demi-goddess? I don't even know what that means. How do I wrap my mind around that?" Galan was way too still, his face pale and unreadable. I touched his arm. "You didn't agree to this. Does it change how you feel about bonding yourself to me?"
He shook his head. "Blossom, you are the same woman now that you were an hour ago."
There was tension behind his words. "What aren't you saying?"
"Do you realize that you will no longer grow old and leave me in fifty years? You will be by my side for centuries. We will raise our children and live our lives, together."
"That is not the only benefit," Castian said. "Now that you have bonded, both your Fae powers will be unlocked. With time and some training, you'll be true forces."
"Both our Fae powers?" We said in unison.
"Yes, Jade is my daughter and Galan is blood of my blood, son of my sister's line. By bonding, the Fae DNA lying dormant in you both will become dominant. Over the next few weeks and months you will find your abilities becoming much more powerful."
"What abilities have I, sire?"
"You, my son, sense an innocent soul’s need for care. The increase in that ability, along with your physical speed and skills will make you a great protector. Together with my daughter's gift of healing, you will make quite a team."
"Sire, since you mentioned the innocent," he said, joining us at the railing. "Might I ask you about my sister? Lia?"
"Truths are better learned in small doses, Dwinn." He squeezed Galan's shoulder. "You and Jade have the answers to what must be done to bring Lia back to you. Once your reality settles a bit, you will come to the answer without my interference."
"Sire—"
He cut Galan off with a look and took my hand. "Will you come with me? I have one more thing to show you."
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
"Oh. My. Gods." I didn't know what else to say. The woman was lying on a raised platform in a small alcove off Castian's bed chamber. With hair the color of burning embers and an ankle-length champagne chiton she looked like a mirage. I might have thought she was merely sleeping. She wasn't. The similarity between her and Lia's state was eerie.
"Is she dead? Soul Entrapped?"
Castian shook his head, walking over to adjust a wayward lock of hair by her shoulder. "No, though she is not truly living either." He smiled and motioned for me to join him. "Don't be alarmed, her rest is quite peaceful."
"Who is she?"
"Jade. Do you not recogni—" Castian's eyes widened. "She is your mother."
"My mother?" Galan caught me as my legs gave way. Grappling around my waist, he lent me his strength and held me upright. "No. I know my own mother and she isn't—"
Castian nodded his head. "You would recognize her if you hadn't grown up looking at her altered appearance. When I brought her home . . . after those . . . after she was hurt, I restored her appearance to the woman she was born to be. This is Abbey as I fell in love with her."
I took a step closer, then another. My gods she's beautiful. I picked up an unruly red curl and memories of a forgotten past flooded my mind. "I have her hair."
"When I altered your appearance, I left you with something of your mother and, of course, something of me as well." He smiled at his reflection in my eyes. "It was terribly vain, yet I needed you to have some small part of us with you, even if you were unaware."
"I'm glad." I stroked the back of her hand where it sat folded over her gown. Her skin was warm and silky soft. Her image blurred behind my tears. "Does she ever wake?"
"No. Her body is mended, but her soul was shattered by the atrocities the Scourge inflicted upon her and the horror of what she believed they would do to you. Until those wounds heal she will remain in stasis. I believe, when she is ready, she will come back to us."
"I hope so." Carefully . . . so carefully, I picked up her hand. The moment I touched her I felt a glimmer of power, either hers or mine, I couldn't be sure. "Hello Mommy," I said, forcing down the lump blocking my throat. "I didn't know . . . or I would have come sooner."
"You're here now, Mir." Castian squeezed my shoulders from behind. After a kiss to the back of my head he floated to my mother's other side and perched on a stool. Leaning over her, his eyes swirled like liquid emeralds. "Wait until you see her, Abbey. Our baby girl has grown up to be everything we dreamed. Her husband's here too, Galan. He's one of the Highbornes, just like you saw." Castian held his hand out for Galan to join us. "It's safe to come back to us now, my love. You did it. Their powers have been unlocked. Your sacrifice kept her safe."
In a Disney movie, this would be when her eyes would flitter open. My mother just laid there. "I've avenged her death with all but one of those bastards who hurt her. I hunted them down and took their lives as they took hers. But I have to stop now." I glanced over my shoulder at Galan. "I'm looking—we're looking—forward now, not back."
"I'll finish it." A dark shadow blanketed Castian's gaze. The room went cold as a violent menace rolled
off him. "I've dreamed of nothing else since that day. Don't you worry, I'll finish what you started."
"Can you do that? Would that be interfering with the lives of the realm?"
"No. I will take the life as a husband, not as a god. When the time is right, the last of the men who attacked her will be exterminated." Castian's gaze hardened, menace filled the air between us. "Enough of anguish, today is about new beginnings. I have a gift for you, Mir, something I created for your mother when she told me she was expecting." Castian put his hand in his pocket and produced an ornate, silver ring. He slid it onto my finger.
The design reminded me of how Galan described my tattoo. Tiny leaves and vines entwined around three perfectly shaped stones. I touched the stones thinking how, if things had been different, we could have been a family. It made my heart ache for what I missed with them.
"We are a family, Mir." Castian's words whispered in my mind. "You have only been separated from us for seventeen years. Over the eternity that you will live, that time will seem like nothing. We have a lifetime to love each other." He kissed my ring and hugged me tight.
I hugged him tighter. "When can I come back and sit with her again?"
"Whenever you wish. This palace was your home once. You will always have a place here. With your abilities unlocked you will be able to Flash here under your own power." Stepping back, he laughed at my expression.
"Really? You might get sick of me."
"Never." He shook his head then sobered as he glanced over my shoulder. "Dwinn, your entire world will tilt and tumble. Only if you put your trust in Mir, will you survive. Your spirit has the ability to soar boundlessly if you let it. Guard Jade's soul as the most precious treasure I have entrusted into your care thus far."
"I shall, my Lord."
Castian's gaze was that of a doting father. "It was no accident that you are drawn to nurture, Galan. Lia, Ella and all the others you have aided over the past century were put in your care for a reason. The depths of your love for innocent souls is your greatest gift. It is why you are the perfect choice to be their guardian."
He focused on Galan's expression and took him firmly by the shoulders. "Dwinn, you are mistaken. You are the perfect match for my daughter. As time passes, the two of you will stand together, equals in life and in battle. You are the man for her. I have seen it."
Galan looked stupefied. "Thank you, my Lord, I hope only to live up to your praise."
Castian's voice softened as he cupped Galan's neck. "You will, son, have no doubts. But would you do me one honor?"
"Thy will be done." Galan straightened, pressing his shoulders back.
"Address me as Nimithil or Father if you prefer. You are my son now. I give you my soul name freely and with no doubts that you will guard it with your last breath."
I could see the vacant disbelief on Galan's face.
Castian chuckled softly. "You will need to harness your inner monologue if you are going to be spending time within the Fae gods, Dwinn. Most can hear thoughts. Some might take offense to you thinking they have lost their sanity." He smiled as Galan's ears flushed red.
"Yes Lord, I shall."
"Lord?" Castian raised a brow.
"Yes . . . Nimithil." Galan whispered.
"Dwinn, why do doubt your union with Jade?"
Galan's brow furrowed, he didn't look my way. "Your daughter is beyond spectacular. She exceeded my worth when she was a healer, teacher and bard Priestess. Now. . ." Galan looked crushed. "The daughter of the God of Elves, the heiress to his Realm? I am overwhelmed by the reality."
"No," I protested.
Castian glanced to me, unaffected by Galan's concerns. "Jade was never whole until the two of you collided in that forest. Now she radiates joy and contentment. It suits her. You are destined for more greatness than you know. Your Ambar Lenn will transform you into one of the truest souls and greatest males to walk the Realm of the Fair. I have seen it."
Galan didn't look convinced.
Sadness blanketed Castian's face. "I deeply regret that your father's influence has scarred your self-image, son, but listen to me. I know more than he about the man you are."
Galan stared at his feet. "Thank you, Father."
Castian accepted that sad show of confidence. It was probably all he was going to get for today. "Before I return you to your celebration, indulge me once more."
Castian caught a strand of my hair between his fingers and drew his touch down from my scalp to its end. After resting the piece beside my face, he repeated the action in Galan's hair. When he pulled back, my father wore a look of smug satisfaction. "I love you both. If you need me, I will come no matter the consequence." With a blinding shower of delicate golden sparkles, we were returned to our pallet.
For a long moment, I studied the dappled morning light the forest cast over Galan's naked body before reaching for the braid hanging to the right of his face. The deep red of my hair had been woven into Galan's silver hair in a thin intricate braid. The contrast in color was amazing.
"It is a Binding Braid, a symbol of being united in the eyes of the gods," Galan whispered. Hesitantly, he lifted his hand and touched the braid in my hair. His eyes sparkled with wonder as the ribbon of silver slid though his fingers.
"Like a wedding ring?"
"The silver of mine is exquisite woven into the rich burgundy of yours." I could hear the emotion folded in his husky voice. It was there too, behind his eyes, unmistakable despite his attempt at composure.
"You like this, don't you?" I raised a brow. "I mean, you really like that I am marked as yours. Like some kind of alpha male, marking his territory thing."
"You have no idea," he smiled, pulling me against his chest. "Let me see your markings again."
I rolled onto my stomach and swept my hair out of the way. Galan ran his fingers across my shoulders, following the contours and curls of my tattoo. The sensation sent tingles across my skin and a warmth through me. "What does it look like?"
He nipped at the nape of my neck. "There is an intricate vinework surrounding a crest with ancient Draconian runes. The primary symbol is the crescent moon representing Castian and is interwoven with the symbols for the body and the soul."
"Okay, my turn . . . let me see." I sat up, sweeping Galan's hair over his shoulder exposing his markings. His were just as he described mine to be. "What do they mean?"
"Castian has branded us mates, body and soul." Galan's voice broke.
Instinct told me there was more to it—the symbols signified something more profoundly important than our bonding. But what it meant, I had no idea.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
As I walked barefoot up the stairs of the castle a couple hours later, I wrapped an arm around Galan's back in blissful exhaustion. Hooking my thumb in the back of his leathers I smiled. "I could get used to this." My cheeks ached, and I just couldn't wipe the dumb-ass grin off my face. "Would you mind if we didn't say anything about Castian being my father for a bit? I'd like a chance to let it sink in before everyone knows."
"As you wish." Galan nodded. His absent look of anguish had returned.
"Thinking about Lia?"
"Day after day we wait for her to awaken yet we are no closer to finding the crystal. What if she never wakes? What if, like your mother, decades pass and she fails to rouse?"
I stopped on the landing of the fourth floor, thankful that classes wouldn't be let out to interrupt us for a while. "I know it sucks, but we'll know something as soon as there's something to know. Besides, Castian said that we can bring her back. We just have to figure it out." Reaching beneath Galan's hair I massaged the muscles of his neck. "And we will." Greedy hands ran up my back, pulling me into his embrace.
He kissed me—like only Galan could—and I was so on board with distracting him. His mouth settled over mine, owning me, possessing me with an ardor that took my breath away. Shifting his weight to lean against the wall, he settled in as if he had no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon.
"How hot is that?"
Two fifth-year students stepped out of the weapons room. Nash was sheathing his wand, while a steady stream of blood dripped from a gash across his left cheek. It sat just below the tribal tattoo encircling his eye and was gaping enough that he'd definitely need attention.
"Is this an example of sparring gone wrong, boys?"
Nash shrugged and probed his cheek. "Nah, just an extra close shave from Clay's scimitar." He chuckled and ruffled his roommate's short ginger hair. "Lesson learned."
"Lessons are easy to learn when blood is drawn. Let me fix you up."
"It's nothing, Jade. It's only leaking like a tap because it's a face wound. I don't want to get blood on your dress."
I handed Galan my shoes and waved Nash over. "Nonsense, it'll take me two seconds." I touched the wound and knit the tissue back together. He had the beautiful, bronze complexion of his Inuit people and when I laid hands on him I could feel the power of the Great Spirits run through him.
"Here, give me your hand," he said, grabbing my fingers. After wiping his blood on his muscle shirt, he poked at his cheek. "Thanks Jade. Don't think this is inappropriate but hot damn you're rocking that dress." He held his knuckles out to Galan, who knew enough to give them a bump. "Special occasion?"
"One might say that." Galan winked at me.
Nash chuckled. "Well, you're a seriously lucky man."
"I am indeed."
Trying to ignore my heated cheeks and avoid the appraising looks, I untangled my hair from my pendant and set it flat against my chest. "We should be getting upstairs." I slid my hand into Galan's, lacing our fingers and turned to the steps. "If the two of you will excuse us."
Clay, who had been unusually quiet, was eying me. His unblinking focus had me staring back, waiting for him to remember himself. After a moment, Nash pulled him staggering down the landing to the stairs and smacked him on the back of the head.
Galan chuckled then stared at the length of my leg showing out the slit of my dress. "Mayhap, we should get changed. You seem to be distracting the students." He brushed his lips gently down my jawline, inhaling deeply. Though this dress does make me one very hungry male, mayhap it is best enjoyed alone.